Watertown Chamber Concludes ‘Toast of the Year’ by Celebrating Community Strength and Outlining Key Initiatives
- Steve Jurrens
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
Northeast Radio SD News - Watertown, SD – On Thursday night, October 23, 2025, at the Watertown Event Center, the Watertown Area Chamber of Commerce's Toast of the Year 2025 celebration gathered approximately 300 attendees to recognize local business leaders, detail ambitious plans for the city’s economic future, and highlight the community’s collaborative spirit. The event served to underscore the positive momentum underway in Watertown.
The event began with the introduction of new leadership, including Chairwoman of the Board Kristen Hill (Ameriprise Legacy Financial Partners), who will serve from 2025 to 2027.
City Manager Alan Stager then delivered a forward-looking address, emphasizing the city's upward trajectory. Stager noted that Watertown's population growth has accelerated to over 1% per year in the last four years, alongside significant economic indicators, including taxable sales fees surpassing $1 billion annually.
Stager presented an ambitious vision for Watertown to become a community of 30,000 residents. Achieving this would require a sustained growth rate of 3% per year and the addition of approximately 3,000 new homes. Stager stressed that this growth will naturally attract "new retail" and "educational opportunities," and called on the community to use the H2O50 plan as a guide.
Chamber President Tim Sheehan concluded the opening remarks by thanking the members for their support, recognizing the Chamber’s Executive Team, and announcing plans to launch a Leadership 2.0 program this spring.
Businessman of the Year: Bill Rieffenberger
Bill Rieffenberger (Designer Homes, Hometown Building Center, and Prairie Haven Family Homes) was named Businessman of the Year. Rieffenberger used his acceptance speech to focus on the city's housing challenge, noting his involvement in a committee tasked with securing 1,200 new single-family homes by 2035 to support the city's population goals.
Businesswoman of the Year: Ryan Bisgard
Ryan Bisgard, President of the Watertown Shamrocks, earned the Businesswoman of the Year Award. Bisgard was recognized for her leadership during the team's successful inaugural season, which included earning the 2024-2025 NAHL Organization of the Year title.
Ambassador of the Year: Julie Kneeland
Julie Kneeland (Watertown Area Home Builders Association) was named Ambassador of the Year. Kneeland was recognized for her consistent support of new and expanding businesses and for her high attendance at ribbon-cuttings throughout the year.
Business of the Year: The Wheel Inn
The Wheel Inn, owned by Sarah and Ted Horning, received the Business of the Year Award. Recognized for its exceptional customer service and dedication to the community, the diner was praised for transforming into a beloved institution. Sarah Horning accepted the award, emphasizing that the honor belongs to her staff, a loyal team of over 60 employees.
Spirit of Watertown Award: Jamie Mack
The highest community honor, the Spirit of Watertown Award, was presented to Jamie Mack, Executive Director of the Goss Opera House and President of the Watertown Lions Club. Mack was honored for her leadership in expanding youth arts initiatives at the Goss and driving service projects through the Lions Club.
Chamber Program Updates
Chamber staff further detailed upcoming community-building initiatives:
· Mackenzie Ries, Director of Ag Engagement, outlined programs like the 4-H Barbecue, Tractor Drive 4-H, and the Adopt-A-First-Grade program.
· Ashley Johnson, Director of Community Engagement, announced the return of several popular events: Santaland will run from November 28th through December 21st; Cookin’ on Kampeska will return in the summer with more live music; and the Limitless, Women Rising Together conference will be hosted again in August.
· Karen Aikn, the new Director of Member Engagement, promoted the upcoming Merry Mix & Mingle on November 6th.
The evening concluded with final thank-yous, encouraging attendees to continue their involvement and support, which Chamber leaders affirmed is crucial for keeping Watertown "bigger, better, and stronger."
